Crown seal with integral sealing projections for undersea hydraulic couplings

ABSTRACT

A crown seal for sealing between the body of a female hydraulic coupling member and the probe section of male hydraulic coupling member has sealing projections on or near its outer diameter to provide enhanced sealing effectiveness between the crown seal and the body of the female member and obviate the need for circumferential O-ring seals. In a first embodiment, the sealing projections have a substantially circular cross section and project both axially and radially from the body of the crown seal. In a second embodiment, the sealing projections have a semicircular cross section and project in an axial direction from certain outside edges of the crown seal. Crown seals according to the invention may be retrofitted to female hydraulic couplings of the prior art. Alternatively, the body of the female coupling or a seal retainer or seal cartridge fitted therein may be provided with grooves or contoured surfaces to fit the sealing projections on the crown seal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/027,472 filed on Feb. 7, 2008.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to hydraulic couplings for subsea use. Moreparticularly, it relates to polymeric crown seals for sealing betweenthe body of a female hydraulic coupling member and the probe of a malehydraulic coupling member inserted into the receiving chamber of thefemale member.

2. Description of the Related Art Including Information Disclosed under37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

Subsea hydraulic couplings generally consist of a male member and afemale member having seals designed to seal the junction between themale and female members. The female member generally has a cylindricalbody with a relatively large diameter bore at one end and a relativelysmall diameter bore at the other. The smaller bore facilitatesconnections to hydraulic lines, while the larger bore contains the sealsand receives the male portion of the coupling. The male member includesa probe section insertable into the large bore of the female member.According to various embodiments of the device, the seals either abutthe end, or face, of the male member or engage the male member about itsouter circumference. Hydraulic fluid is then free to flow through thefemale and male portions of the coupling and seals prevent that flowfrom escaping about the joints of the coupling.

Optionally, a check valve may be installed in the female member and alsoin the male member. Each check valve is open when the coupling is madeup; however, each check valve closes when the coupling is broken so asto prevent fluid from leaking out of the system of which the coupling ispart.

In U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,694,859 and 5,762,106 to Robert E. Smith III, anundersea hydraulic coupling and metal seal are disclosed. A reusablemetal seal engages the circumference of the probe when it is positionedwithin the female member body. The seal is held in place by acylindrical body or retainer. When the male and female portions of thecoupling are parted under pressure, the retainer prevents the metal sealfrom blowing out through the bore of the female member.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,071 to Robert E. Smith III discloses an underseahydraulic coupling with an elastomeric seal that is restrained fromradial movement into the central bore of the female member by acircumferential shoulder on one or both surfaces adjacent the seal.Preferably, the seal has a dovetail interference fit with one or bothsurfaces. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,052,439, 5,099,882, 5,203,374 and 5,232,021to Robert E. Smith III also show undersea hydraulic couplings with theseseals. An inner cylindrical surface of the annular seal engages thecircumference of the male member or probe as the probe is inserted intothe female member. As the male member or probe is pulled out of thefemale member bore, the leading face of the male member reaches the softannular seal intermediate that bore. When the face reaches the midpointof the soft annular seal, the dovetail interference fit prevents theseal from imploding into the bore, as the seawater and/or hydraulicfluid enter the bore at high pressure.

If the probe of the male coupling member is imperfectly aligned with thefemale coupling member, it can drag against the female coupling bore orreceiving chamber, and drag against each seal retained in the bore. Thedrag can result in galling of the surfaces of the respective couplingmembers. The drag can also damage the seals retained in the femalecoupling member, especially pressure-energized radial metal seals thatseal around the circumference of the male coupling member.

To help align the male coupling member when it enters the female bore orreceiving chamber, some undersea hydraulic couplings include two or moreredundant radial seals. Two or more seals provide guide points to helpthe male member enter the bore or receiving chamber without galling anddamage to the sealing surfaces. Additionally, two or more redundantseals reduce the risk that hydraulic fluid will leak from the couplingat higher pressures and greater undersea depths.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,430 to Robert E. Smith III discloses an underseahydraulic coupling member having a ring-shaped seal with multiplesealing surfaces which extend radially inwardly into the receivingchamber of the female member. The multiple sealing surfaces help guidethe probe of the male coupling member into the female member without therisk of drag or galling of the receiving chamber or metal seal retainedtherein. The seal has an interference fit with reverse inclinedshoulders in the female member to restrain the seal from moving radiallyinwardly due to vacuum or low pressure such as may be produced by thewithdrawal of the male probe.

The crown seal disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,430 provides an underseahydraulic coupling with a ring-shaped polymeric seal having two or moreradial sealing surfaces at the inner circumference thereof. Each of thesealing surfaces at the inner circumference engages the probe of themale coupling member, providing guide points to help ensure properalignment between the coupling members, prevent or reduce the risk thatthe male coupling member will drag against the female coupling memberduring engagement or disengagement, and prevent or reduce the risk ofgalling of the surfaces and seals retained therein.

On each side of the polymeric seal, opposing inclined circumferentialshoulder surfaces have an interference fit with the seal and prevent theseal from imploding and/or radially moving into the bore especially uponseparation of the female member and male member. The seal has inclinedsurfaces that have an interference fit with the opposing inclinedshoulder surfaces.

A coupling of the prior art first disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,430is shown in FIG. 1. Female member 20 comprises body 21, handle 48 whichmay be threaded to a manifold plate, and central bore 32 which hasseveral variations in its diameter as it extends through the femalemember. The first end of the bore may be internally threaded forconnection to a hydraulic line. A cylindrical passageway extendslongitudinally within the female member body and terminates at valveseat 27. Adjacent valve seat 27 is shoulder 33 which forms one end ofreceiving chamber 34.

In the illustrated coupling member, the receiving chamber (whichreceives the probe of the male member) has a stepped internal diameterwith internal shoulders 33, 35 and 63. The receiving chamber has a firstsmaller diameter 34 and a second larger diameter 47.

In the illustrated coupling, the female member includes poppet valve 28which is slidably received within the cylindrical passageway. The poppetvalve is conical in shape and is urged by valve spring 41 into a seatedposition against valve seat 27. When the poppet valve is in a closedposition against the valve seat, it seals fluid from flowing between themale member and the female member. Hollow spring collar 42 anchors thevalve spring 41 and is held in place by a collar clip. Actuator 44extends from the apex of the poppet valve. A corresponding valveactuator in the male member contacts actuator 44 to open valve 28 uponcoupling makeup.

Ring shaped seal 70 is positioned in the receiving chamber of the femalemember. The ring shaped seal is an elastomer or polymer seal that isflexible and resilient. As shown in FIG. 2, the seal has a firstinclined shoulder surface 72 and a second inclined shoulder surface 71.The axial thickness of the elastomeric seal at outer circumference 66 isgreater than the axial thickness of the seal at inner circumference 73.The seal has a generally wedge-shaped cross section. The seal has atleast two radial sealing surfaces 75, 76 extending inwardly from theseal's inner circumference 73. Each of the radial sealing surfacesextends radially inwardly from the inner circumference to engage theprobe of the male member when the probe is inserted through the seal.Each of the radial sealing surfaces is elastically deformed by the probewhen it is inserted through the seal. The two radial sealing surfacesprovide guide points to help align and guide the probe when it isinserted through the seal into the receiving chamber. The pair of radialsealing surfaces reduces or eliminates the problem and resulting damagefrom drag against the female bore and/or galling of the couplingsurfaces and seal surfaces.

In the coupling member shown in FIG. 1, the seal (shown separately inFIG. 2) has grooves 77, 78 in its outer circumference. O-rings may bepositioned in each of the grooves. In some versions, instead of groovesand O-rings, the seal has a plurality of integral projections whichextend radially outwardly from the outer circumference.

In the female coupling member illustrated in FIG. 1, the crown seal 70is restrained from being imploded into the receiving chamber due to lowpressure or vacuum because the seal has an interfit with reverseinclined shoulder surface 62 of seal retainer 29 and reverse inclinedshoulder surface 61 of locking member 30—a “dovetail interlocking seal.”The seal retainer may be a cylindrical sleeve that slides into thesecond diameter 47 of the receiving chamber. When the seal retainer isfully engaged with the female member, first end 46 of the seal retainerabuts shoulder 63. The seal retainer holds hollow radial metal seal 31on internal shoulder 35.

The seal retainer has a first internal circumferential surface 59adjacent the first end thereof and a second internal circumferentialsurface 69 adjacent the second end thereof. The internal diameter of thefirst inner circumferential surface is smaller than the internaldiameter of the second internal circumferential surface. Reverseinclined shoulder 62 is between the first and second internalcircumferential surfaces. The reverse inclined shoulder has an interfitwith seal 70 to restrain the seal from moving radially inwardly. O-ring49 is positioned in a groove at the first end 46 of the seal retainer toprovide a face-type seal between the seal retainer and shoulder 63.

Locking member (or “retainer nut”) 30 engages the female coupling memberusing threads 53 or other means. When the locking member is fullysecured to the female coupling member, first end 64 abuts the sealretainer and holds the seal retainer in place. The locking member has aninternal diameter 54 that allows insertion of the probe of the malemember therethrough. Reverse inclined surface 71 holds seal 70 in placeand restrains the seal from moving radially inwardly.

The seal length may be chosen based on the length of the probe and/orthe depth of the female receiving chamber. Greater spacing of the radialsealing surfaces helps align the male and female coupling members andavoid damage to the metal seal in the coupling. Radial sealing surfaces75 and 76 extend inwardly from inner circumference 73. Seal 70 ispositioned on the second inner circumferential surface 69 of sealretainer 29. Reverse inclined shoulder surfaces 71, 72 interfit withreverse inclined shoulder 61 of the locking member and reverse inclinedshoulder 82 of the seal retainer.

As shown in FIG. 2, the outer circumference of the seal has grooves 77,78 for holding O-rings that seal with inner circumferential surface 69.

FIG. 1 shows a crown seal 70 installed in a seal retainer 29 held withinthe body of female coupling member 20. However, other designs have alsobeen used for holding the crown seal in place in the coupling member.For example, FIG. 3 shows a crown seal 70 having a dovetailconfiguration in a seal cartridge. The seal cartridge may hold andsecure a plurality of annular seals that may be removed from thecoupling member together with the seal cartridge. The seal cartridgecomprises a shell 80 that engages the coupling member and a seal carrier81 that holds the annular seals.

In the prior art coupling shown in FIG. 3, the shell is a generallyring-shaped body with an outer diameter that may have a threaded section83 to engage the female coupling member. The shell has first end 84,second end 85, first larger inner diameter 86, second smaller innerdiameter 87, and internal shoulder 88 between the first and second innerdiameters. The shell also may include negative or reverse angle shoulder89 that extends radially inwardly from internal shoulder 88. Holes 90may be included in the first end of the shell, and a spanner or othertool may be inserted into the holes to rotate the shell to engage ordisengage it from the female member.

The seal carrier 81 is a generally ring shaped sleeve, part of whichengages or fits at least partially into the shell. The seal carrier hasfirst end 91 which fits into the shell, second end 92, first largerouter diameter 93, second smaller outer diameter 94, first larger innerdiameter 95, and second smaller inner diameter 96. The seal carrier mayhave negative or reverse angle shoulder 97 between the first largerinner diameter and second smaller inner diameter. The seal carrier alsomay include outer shoulder 98 between the first larger outer diameterand the second smaller outer diameter.

The first end of the seal carrier slides into the first larger innerdiameter 86 of the shell. There may be little or no clearance betweenthe second smaller outer diameter 94 of the seal carrier and the innerdiameter 86 of the shell, or there may be a slight interference fit.When the first end of the seal carrier is fully inserted into the shell,the first end 91 may abut internal step 99 of the shell, and/or secondend 85 of the shell may abut outer shoulder 98 of the seal carrier.

FIG. 4 shows yet another female coupling member of the prior art whichcomprises a crown seal 70 having a dovetail configuration. In thisdesign, there is no seal retainer or seal cartridge. Rather, the centralaxial bore of female member 20 has a section with a first, smaller innerdiameter 114 and a section with a second, larger inner diameter 115 withan angled shoulder 110 between the two sections. Angled shoulder 110engages a corresponding surface on the crown seal 70. The opposite endof the crown seal 70 also has an angled surface that contacts angledsurface 111 on retainer nut 112 which is in threaded engagement with thebody of the female member 20. As in the designs employing a sealretainer or a seal cartridge, circumferential O-rings 77 and 78 are usedto provide a fluid-tight seal between the crown seal and the body of thecoupling member.

O-ring seals for high temperature and/or high pressure applications aretypically made of specialty elastomers which are costly and not alwaysreadily available. In the case of couplings used chemical injectionsystem applications, O-rings can be exposed to chemicals which wouldrapidly degrade ordinary elastomers. Accordingly, expensive,chemical-resistant materials must be used to fabricate the O-rings.Moreover, having one or more separate circumferential seals on the crownseal increases the part count of the coupling complicating bothfabrication and repair processes. The present invention solves thisproblem.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A polymeric crown seal for a female hydraulic coupling member comprisesintegral sealing projections at the juncture of its outer circumferenceand dovetail shoulders obviating the need for separate O-ring seals. Ina first embodiment, the projections have a generally circular crosssection and project both radially and axially from the main body of thecrown seal. In a second embodiment, the sealing projections comprise aridge having a rounded distal end and extend only axially from the mainbody of the crown seal.

Crown seals according to the present invention may be retrofitted inunmodified coupling members including those having seal retainers andthose having seal cartridges. Alternatively, as disclosed herein, thereceiving chamber of the female member, the seal retainer of a couplingmember or the seal carrier of a coupling having a seal cartridge may bespecially machined to engage the sealing projections on a crown sealaccording to the present invention. Likewise, the retainer nuts used tosecure dovetail crown seals may have inner surfaces specially contouredto accommodate the corner sealing projections.

Polymeric crown seals according to the present invention may be moldedor machined to form. One particular preferred engineering plastic forthis application is polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a female hydraulic coupling memberof the prior art having a crown seal in a seal retainer.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a crown seal of the prior art.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a female hydraulic coupling memberof the prior art having a crown seal in a seal cartridge.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a female hydraulic coupling memberof the prior art having a crown seal but no seal cartridge, sealretainer or metal C-seal.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a crown seal according to a firstembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A is an enlargement of a portion of the crown seal shown in FIG.5.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG. 5installed in a female hydraulic coupling having a seal retainer.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG. 5installed in a female hydraulic coupling having a seal cartridge.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG. 5installed in a female hydraulic coupling having a seal retaining nut.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG. 5installed in a female hydraulic coupling having a seal retainerspecially adapted for engaging the sealing protrusions on the crownseal.

FIG. 10A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first portion of acrown seal and mating surface of a first type.

FIG. 10B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a second portion of acrown seal and mating surface of a first type.

FIG. 11A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first portion of acrown seal and mating surface of a second type.

FIG. 11B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a second portion of acrown seal and mating surface of a second type.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG.5 installed in a female hydraulic coupling having a seal cartridgespecially adapted for engaging the sealing protrusions on the crownseal.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG.5 installed in a female hydraulic coupling having a body speciallyadapted for engaging the sealing protrusions on the crown seal.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a crown seal according to a secondembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14A is an enlargement of a portion of the crown seal shown in FIG.14.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG.14 installed in a female hydraulic coupling having a seal retainer.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG.14 installed in a female hydraulic coupling having a seal retainerspecially adapted to engage a sealing protrusion on the crown seal.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG.14 installed in a female hydraulic coupling having a seal cartridge.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG.14 installed in a female hydraulic coupling having a seal cartridgespecially adapted to engage a sealing protrusion on the crown seal.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG.14 installed in the body of a female hydraulic coupling having athreaded retaining nut adapted to engage the sealing protrusion.

FIG. 19A is an enlargement of a first portion of the female hydrauliccoupling shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 19B is an enlargement of a second portion of the female hydrauliccoupling shown in FIG. 19B.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG.14 installed in a female hydraulic coupling whose body is speciallyadapted to engage a sealing protrusion on the crown seal.

FIG. 20A is an enlargement of a first portion of the female hydrauliccoupling shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 20B is an enlargement of a second portion of the female hydrauliccoupling shown in FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention may best be understood by reference to the accompanyingdrawing figures which illustrate two embodiments of the crown seal ofthe invention installed in both prior art female hydraulic couplingmembers and female coupling members according to the invention.

FIG. 5 shows in cross section a crown seal 120 according to a firstembodiment of the invention. Crown seal 120 is a generally cylindricalstructure having a stepped outer diameter comprised of a first, outersection having smaller outside diameter 122 and a second, inner sectionhaving a larger outside diameter 124. Inclined shoulder 126 forms thejuncture of the two sections 122 and 124. Crown seal 120 has a first,outer end 142 and a second, inner end 144 with a central, axial bore 146which forms the receiving chamber for the male probe when seal 120 isinstalled in a female hydraulic coupling member. The terms “inner” and“outer” as used herein refer to the orientation of seal 120 as installedin a female coupling member. Outer end 142 is distal from the center (orinterior) of the coupling while inner end 144 is proximal the center ofthe coupling. Angled surface 128 is adjacent inner end 144 of seal 120.

One or more sealing surfaces 134, 136 project into central axial bore146 to seal against the outer, generally cylindrical surface of a malehydraulic probe (not shown) when inserted into the receiving chamber146. Although a single probe seal (134 or 136) may suffice for sealingpurposes, it has been found that the provision of multiple probe sealshelps to ensure proper alignment of the male member during insertioninto receiving chamber 146.

Angled surfaces 126 and 128 form a dovetail interlock with correspondingsurfaces in the female member (as described more fully, below). Thisinterlock acts to resist the forces acting to urge the seal in a radial,inward direction (“seal implosion”) which may be encountered duringwithdrawal of the male member. As used herein, “angled surface” or“angled shoulder” mean an element that is not orthogonal to the centralaxis of the body—i.e., not “square.” Stated another way, an “angledsurface” or “angled body” forms an angle other than 90° with the majoraxis of the body.

Section 140 of crown seal 120 is an optional, bore liner extension.Within section 140, the inner diameter of central, axial bore 146 may beprogressively increased towards first end 142 from smaller internaldiameter 148 to larger internal diameter 150. Bore liner extension 140lines the internal bore of the female hydraulic coupling member andprevents metal-to-metal contact (with possible consequential galling)between the male probe and the receiving chamber of the female member.The progressive reduction (in the inward direction) of the internaldiameter in section 140 acts as a cam to direct a misaligned male probeinto axial alignment as it is inserted into receiving chamber 146.

Body 138 of crown seal 120 may be fabricated from any suitable material.Polymers are particularly preferred for sealing effectiveness.Fabrication techniques include, but are not limited to, molding andmachining. One, particularly preferred material for body 138 ispolyetheretherketone (PEEK). PEEK is a thermoplastic with very favorablemechanical properties. The Young's modulus of PEEK is given as 3.6 GPa(522,000 psi) and its tensile strength 170 MPa (25,000 psi). PEEK ispartially crystalline, and is highly unusual in exhibiting two glasstransition temperatures at around 140° C. (284° F.) and around 275° C.(527° F.), depending on cure cycle and precise formulation. PEEK meltsat around 350° C. (662° F.) and is highly resistant to thermaldegradation. PEEK also exhibits good chemical resistance over a widetemperature range in many environments, including alkalis, aromatichydrocarbons, alcohols, greases, oils and halogenated hydrocarbons. Acrown seal according to the present invention may be machined from PEEKbar stock. It has been found that extruded PEEK bar stock is superior inthis application to molded PEEK bar stock.

Another particularly preferred material for the fabrication of body 138is polyoxymethylene (POM), also commonly known by DuPont's brand nameDELRIN. It is an engineering plastic, (a polymer) with the chemicalformula —(—O—CH₂—)n—. Often marketed and used as a metal substitute,Delrin is a lightweight, low-friction, and wear-resistant thermoplasticwith good physical and processing properties capable of operating intemperatures in excess of 90 degrees Celsius (approx 200 degreesFahrenheit). When supplied as extruded bar or sheet, DELRIN may bemachined using traditional methods such as turning, milling, drilling,etc.

Yet another preferred material for the fabrication of body 138 ispolytetra-fluoroethylene (PTFE), a synthetic fluoropolymer which findsnumerous applications. PTFE is often referred to by the DuPont brandname TEFLON.

Crown seal 120 includes one or more sealing projections 130, 132 on ornear its outer circumference. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5,sealing projections 130 and 132 have a generally circular cross sectionand project in both a radial and axial direction from the outer surfaceof body 138. Sealing projection 130 is located at the juncture of angledshoulder 126 and outer diameter 124. FIG. 5A is an enlarged detail ofsealing projection 130 and the immediately adjacent portions of crownseal 120. Sealing projection 132 is located at the juncture of angledsurface 128 and outer diameter 124. The size of sealing projection 130and/or 132 may be selected according to the particular application. Inone particular preferred embodiment wherein outer diameter 124 isapproximately 0.895 inch, the diameter of the circular portions ofsealing projections 130 and 132 is approximately 0.007 inch. Inembodiments having a plurality of sealing projections, the size of eachsealing projection may be the same as or different from other sealingprojections.

FIG. 6 shows a portion of a female hydraulic coupling member 160comprising a crown seal 120 of the type illustrated in FIG. 5. A portionof poppet valve 170 and its associated valve actuator 168 are visible inthe drawing figure. Coupling 160 includes seal retainer 166, a generallysleeve-shaped member having a stepped inner diameter with an innersection of smaller I.D. 172 and an outer section of larger I.D. 174 andangled shoulder 176 joining the two sections. The inner face of sealretainer 166 has a ring-shaped groove for holding O-ring 182 whichprovides a fluid-tight seal between seal retainer 166 and the body offemale member 160.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the inner face of seal retainer166 also secures metal C-seal 180 on shoulder 178 of the central axialbore of female member 160. C-seal 180 provides a pressure-energized sealbetween the female member and the probe of a male member inserted intoreceiving chamber 146.

Seal retainer 166 is held within the central axial bore of female member160 by threaded retainer nut 184 which may comprise spanner holes 188for engaging a tool to assist in seating and removing retainer nut 184.The central axial bore of female member 160 may include internallythreaded portion 164 proximate first end 162 for engaging the retainernut 184. Retainer nut 184 may comprise angled surface 186 sized andspaced to engage angled shoulder 126 of crown seal 120. Likewise, sealretainer 166 may comprise angled shoulder 176 sized and spaced to engageangled surface 128 of crown seal 120. In this way, the seal retainer 166acting in concert with retainer nut 184 provides a dovetail typeinterlock with crown seal 120 to resist inward radial movement of seal120.

Crown seal 120 is preferably sized such that sealing projections 130 and132 are slightly compressed when retainer nut 184 is tightened againstseal retainer 166 and seal retainer 166 is fully seated on shoulder 177.In so doing, sealing projection 132 provides a fluid-tight seal betweencrown seal 120 and seal retainer 166 and sealing projection 130 providesa fluid-tight seal both between crown seal 120 and retainer nut 184 andbetween crown seal 120 and seal retainer 166.

It will be appreciated that seal retainer 166 and retainer nut 184 ofFIG. 6 are according to a design of the prior art (see, e.g. U.S. Pat.No. 4,900,071 to Robert E. Smith III). Thus, a crown seal 120 accordingto the present invention may be retrofitted to a female coupling member160 by simply replacing the prior art crown seal—i.e. a crown sealhaving one or more circumferential O-ring seals or radial sealingprojections.

FIG. 7 shows a crown seal 120 of the type illustrated in FIG. 5 in afemale hydraulic coupling member having a seal cartridge comprised ofseal carrier 190 and shell 198. Seal carrier 190 is a generallysleeve-shaped member having both a stepped inner diameter and a steppedouter diameter. Angled shoulder 193 connects the inner portion havingsmaller I.D. 191 with the outer portion having larger I.D. 192. Squareshoulder 196 joins the inner portion having larger O.D. 194 with theouter portion having smaller O.D. 195. Angled shoulder 193 is sized andspaced to engage angled surface 128 of crown seal 120.

Shell 198 is externally threaded in threaded portion 202 to engage theinternally threaded portion 164 of the bore of the female couplingmember. Spanner holes 204 may be provided to engage a tool for seatingand removing the seal cartridge in the female coupling member. Shell 198may have a slight interference fit with the portion of seal carrier 190having smaller O.D. 195. In this way, the entire seal cartridgeincluding crown seal 120 may be removed for service from the femalemember by unthreading shell 198 from the bore of the female member.

Shell 198 preferably comprises angled shoulder 200 sized and spaced toengage angled shoulder 126 on crown seal 120. Together with shoulder193, angled shoulder 200 provides a dovetail-type interlock withsurfaces 126 and 128 of crown seal 120 which resists implosion—i.e.,inward radial movement—of crown seal 120 into receiving chamber 146under conditions of low pressure in chamber 146 such as may beencountered during withdrawal of the male probe.

Crown seal 120 is preferably sized such that sealing projections 130 and132 are slightly compressed when shell 198 of the seal cartridge istightened against seal carrier 190 and seal carrier 190 is fully seatedon shoulder 177. In so doing, sealing projection 132 provides afluid-tight seal between crown seal 120 and seal carrier 190 and sealingprojection 130 provides a fluid-tight seal both between crown seal 120and shell 198 and between crown seal 120 and seal carrier 190.

It will be appreciated that the seal cartridge comprised of seal carrier190 and shell 198 of FIG. 7 is according to a design of the prior art(see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 7,021,677 to Robert E. Smith III). Thus, acrown seal 120 according to the present invention may be retrofitted toa female coupling member having a seal cartridge by simply replacing theprior art crown seal—i.e. a crown seal having one or morecircumferential O-ring seals or radial sealing projections.

FIG. 8 shows the use of a crown seal 120 according to the presentinvention in a female coupling member having neither a seal retainer nora seal cartridge. Rather, the central axial bore of the female memberhas a first, inner section having smaller I.D. 206 and a second, outersection having larger I.D. 208 connected by angled shoulder 210. Angledshoulder 210 engages angled surface 128 of crown seal 120.

Retainer nut 212 is externally threaded with threads 214 for engaging athreaded section of the central axial bore of the female member. Spannerholes 218 may be provided for engaging a tool for the insertion andremoval of nut 212. Retainer nut 212 comprises angled surface 216 sizedand spaced to engage angled shoulder 126 of crown seal 120. Angledshoulder 210 together with angled surface 216 provide a dovetailinterlock with surfaces 126 and 128 of crown seal 120 which resistsimplosion—i.e., inward radial movement—of crown seal 120 into receivingchamber 146 under conditions of low pressure in chamber 146 such as maybe encountered during withdrawal of the male probe.

Crown seal 120 is preferably sized such that sealing projections 130 and132 are slightly compressed when retainer nut 212 is fully seated onshoulder 213. In so doing, sealing projection 132 provides a fluid-tightseal between crown seal 120 and the body of the female member andsealing projection 130 provides a fluid-tight seal both between crownseal 120 and retainer nut 212 and between crown seal 120 and the body ofthe female coupling member.

It will be appreciated that the body of the female coupling member ofFIG. 8 and retaining nut 212 are according to a design of the prior art(see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,430 to Robert E. Smith III). Thus, acrown seal 120 according to the present invention may be retrofitted tosuch a female coupling member by simply replacing the prior art crownseal—i.e. a crown seal having one or more circumferential O-ring sealsor radial sealing projections.

FIG. 9 shows a female coupling member of the type illustrated in FIG.6—i.e., a female coupling member having a seal retainer. In thisembodiment, seal retainer 166′ is modified to accommodate corner sealingprojection 132 and/or corner sealing projection 130. Retainer nut 184′may also be modified to accommodate corner sealing projection 130 oncrown seal 120.

FIG. 10A is an enlarged detail of the contact area of retainer nut 184and crown seal 120 as shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 10B is an enlargement showing groove 220 between angled shoulder176 (“A” in FIG. 10B) and the section of seal retainer 166′ havinglarger I.D. 174 (“B” in FIG. 10B). Groove 220 is preferably sized suchthat corner sealing projection 132 will fit at least partially intogroove 220 and thereby provide greater sealing contact between sealretainer 166′ and crown seal 120. FIG. 11B shows an alternativeembodiment wherein groove 220 is undercut relative to section “B” toprovide greater contact area to with sealing projection 132.

FIG. 11A shows an alternative configuration for seal retainer 166′wherein contour 222 is provided on the interior surface of seal retainer166′ for accommodating corner sealing projection 130 on crown seal 120.Either one or both of groove 220 and contour 222 may be provided on sealretainer 166′. The contour embodiment shown in FIG. 11A may convenientlybe used with the groove embodiment shown in FIG. 11B.

As shown in FIG. 9, retainer nut 184′ may be provided with contour 224for contacting corner sealing projection 130 on seal 120. Groove 220and/or contour 222 and/or contour 224 may increase the sealingeffectiveness of corner sealing projections 130 and 132 of crown seal120 by providing a larger area of contact between seal retainer 166′and/or nut 184′ and the corner sealing projections 130 and 132.

FIG. 12 shows a female coupling member of the type illustrated in FIG.7—i.e., a female coupling member having a seal cartridge. In thisembodiment, seal carrier 190′ is modified to accommodate corner sealingprojection 132 and/or corner sealing projection 130. Shell 198′ may alsobe modified to accommodate corner sealing projection 130 on crown seal120.

FIG. 10B is an enlargement showing groove 220 between angled shoulder193 (“A” in FIG. 10B) and the section of seal carrier 190′ having largerI.D. 192 (“B” in FIG. 10). Groove 220 is preferably sized such thatcorner sealing projection 132 will fit at least partially into groove220 and thereby provide greater sealing contact between seal carrier190′ and crown seal 120.

FIG. 11A shows an alternative configuration for seal carrier 190′wherein contour 222 is provided on the interior surface of seal carrier190′ for accommodating corner sealing projection 130 on crown seal 120.Either one or both of groove 220 and contour 222 may be provided on sealcarrier 190′.

As shown in FIG. 12, shell 198′ may be provided with contour 224 forcontacting corner sealing projection 130 on seal 120. Groove 220 and/orcontour 222 and/or contour 224 may increase the sealing effectiveness ofcorner sealing projections 130 and 132 of crown seal 120 by providing alarger area of contact between seal carrier 190′ and/or shell 198′ andthe corner sealing projections 130 and 132.

FIG. 13 shows a female coupling member of the type illustrated in FIG.8—i.e., a female coupling member having no seal cartridge, seal retaineror metal C-seal. In this embodiment, the body of the female member ismodified to accommodate corner sealing projection 132 and/or cornersealing projection 130. Retainer nut 212′ may also be modified toaccommodate corner sealing projection 130 on crown seal 120.

FIG. 10B is an enlargement showing groove 220 between angled shoulder210 (“A” in FIG. 10B) and the portion of the central axial bore of thefemale member having larger I.D. 208 (“B” in FIG. 10B). Groove 220 ispreferably sized such that corner sealing projection 132 will fit atleast partially into groove 220 and thereby provide greater sealingcontact between the body of female member 160 and crown seal 120.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative configuration for the female bore whereincontour 222 is also provided on the interior surface of the centralaxial bore for accommodating corner sealing projection 130 on crown seal120. Either one or both of groove 220 and contour 222 may be provided onthe interior surface of the central axial bore.

As shown in FIG. 13, retainer nut 212′ may be provided with contour 224for contacting corner sealing projection 130 on seal 120. Groove 220and/or contour 222 and/or contour 224 may increase the sealingeffectiveness of corner sealing projections 130 and 132 of crown seal120 by providing a larger area of contact between the body of femalemember 160 and/or retainer nut 212′ and the corner sealing projections130 and 132.

A crown seal according to a second embodiment of the invention is shownin FIG. 14. This embodiment has sealing projections on the exteriorsurface of the seal which project only in the axial direction—i.e., theoutside diameter of seal is not affected by the practice of theinvention. This feature is of particular benefit in certain applicationswherein a seal according to the invention is retrofitted to an existingcoupling member.

Crown seal 320 is a generally cylindrical structure having a steppedouter diameter comprised of a first, outer section having smalleroutside diameter 322 and a second, inner section having a larger outsidediameter 324. Inclined shoulder 326 forms the juncture of the twosections 322 and 324. Crown seal 320 has a first, outer end 342 and asecond, inner end 344 with a central, axial bore 346 which forms thereceiving chamber for the male probe when seal 320 is installed in afemale hydraulic coupling member. The terms “inner” and “outer” as usedherein refer to the orientation of seal 320 as installed in a femalecoupling member. Outer end 342 is distal from the center (or interior)of the coupling while inner end 344 is proximal the center of thecoupling. Angled surface 328 is adjacent inner end 344 of seal 320.

One or more sealing surfaces 334, 336 project into central axial bore346 to seal against the outer, generally cylindrical surface of a malehydraulic probe (not shown) inserted into the receiving chamber 346.Although a single probe seal (134 or 336) may suffice for sealingpurposes, it has been found that the provision of multiple probe sealshelps to ensure proper alignment of the male member during insertioninto receiving chamber 346.

Angled surfaces 326 and 328 form a dovetail interlock with correspondingsurfaces in the female member (as described more fully, below). Thisinterlock acts to resist the forces acting to urge the seal in a radial,inward direction (“seal implosion”) which may be encountered duringwithdrawal of the male member.

Section 340 of crown seal 320 is an optional, bore liner extension.Within section 340, the inner diameter of central, axial bore 346 may beprogressively increased towards first end 342 from smaller internaldiameter 348 to larger internal diameter 350. Bore liner extension 340lines the internal bore of the female hydraulic coupling member andprevents metal-to-metal contact (with possible consequential galling)between the male probe and the receiving chamber of the female member.The progressive reduction (in the inward direction) of the internaldiameter in section 340 acts as a cam to direct a misaligned male probeinto axial alignment as it is inserted into receiving chamber 346.

Body 338 of crown seal 320 may be fabricated from any suitable material.PEEK and POM polymers are particularly preferred, as described above inconnection with the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

Crown seal 320 includes one or more axial sealing projections 330, 332on or near its outer circumference. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5, sealing projections 330 and 332 have a distal portion with agenerally semicircular circular cross section and project in an axialdirection from the outer surface of body 338. Sealing projection 330 islocated at the juncture of angled shoulder 326 and outer diameter 324.FIG. 14A is an enlarged, detail view showing sealing projection 330 andthe immediately adjacent portions of crown seal 320. Sealing projection332 is located at the juncture of angled surface 328 and outer diameter324. The size of sealing projection 330 and/or 332 may be selectedaccording to the particular application. In one particular preferredembodiment wherein outer diameter 324 is approximately 0.895 inch, thediameter of the semicircular portions of sealing projections 330 and 332is approximately 0.007 inch. In embodiments having a plurality of axialsealing projections, the size of each sealing projection may be the sameas or different from other axial sealing projections.

FIG. 15 shows a portion of a female hydraulic coupling member 160comprising a crown seal 320 of the type illustrated in FIG. 14. Aportion of poppet valve 170 and its associated valve actuator 168 arevisible in the drawing figure. Coupling 160 includes seal retainer 166,a generally sleeve-shaped member having a stepped inner diameter with aninner section of smaller I.D. 172 and an outer section of larger I.D.174 and angled shoulder 176 joining the two sections. The inner face ofseal retainer 166 has a ring-shaped groove for holding O-ring 182 whichprovides a fluid-tight seal between seal retainer 166 and the body offemale member 160.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, the inner face of sealretainer 166 also secures metal C-seal 180 on shoulder 178 of thecentral axial bore of female member 160. C-seal 180 provides apressure-energized seal between the female member and the probe of amale member inserted into receiving chamber 346.

Seal retainer 166 is held within the central axial bore of female member160 by threaded retainer nut 360 which may comprise spanner holes 188for engaging a tool to assist in seating and removing retainer nut 360.The central axial bore of female member 160 may include internallythreaded portion 164 proximate first end 162 for engaging the retainernut 360. Retainer nut 360 may comprise contoured angled surface 362sized and spaced to engage both angled shoulder 326 of crown seal 320and axial sealing projection 330. Likewise, seal retainer 166 maycomprise angled shoulder 176 sized and spaced to engage angled surface328 of crown seal 320. In this way, the seal retainer 166 acting inconcert with retainer nut 360 provides a dovetail type interlock withcrown seal 320 to resist inward radial movement of seal 320.

Crown seal 320 is preferably sized such that axial sealing projections330 and 332 are slightly compressed when retainer nut 360 is tightenedagainst seal retainer 166 and seal retainer 166 is fully seated onshoulder 177. In so doing, sealing projection 332 provides a fluid-tightseal between crown seal 320 and seal retainer 166 and sealing projection330 provides a fluid-tight seal both between crown seal 320 and retainernut 360 and between crown seal 320 and seal retainer 166.

It will be appreciated that seal retainer 166 of FIG. 15 is according toa design of the prior art (see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,439 to RobertE. Smith III). Thus, a crown seal 320 according to the present inventionmay be retrofitted to a female coupling member 160 by simply replacingthe prior art crown seal—i.e. a crown seal having one or morecircumferential O-ring seals or radial sealing projections. Optionally,retainer nut 360 having contoured angled shoulder 362 may also beretrofitted to the coupling member to increase the sealing effectivenessof axial sealing projection 330.

FIG. 16 shows a female coupling member of the type illustrated in FIG.15—i.e., a female coupling member having a seal retainer. In thisembodiment, seal retainer 410 is modified to accommodate axial sealingprojection 332. The modification comprises groove 412 at the outer edgeof angled shoulder 176′ of seal retainer 410. Groove 412 is preferablysized and spaced to accommodate axial sealing projection 332 on crownseal 320 thereby increasing its sealing effectiveness by providing agreater area of contact as compared to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 15.

FIG. 17 shows a crown seal 320 of the type illustrated in FIG. 14 in afemale hydraulic coupling member having a seal cartridge comprised ofseal carrier 190 and shell 370. Seal carrier 190 is a generallysleeve-shaped member having both a stepped inner diameter and a steppedouter diameter. Angled shoulder 193 connects the inner portion havingsmaller I.D. 191 with the outer portion having larger I.D. 192. Squareshoulder 196 joins the inner portion having larger O.D. 194 with theouter portion having smaller O.D. 195. Angled shoulder 193 is sized andspaced to engage angled surface 328 of crown seal 320.

Shell 370 is externally threaded in threaded portion 202 to engage theinternally threaded portion 164 of the bore of the female couplingmember. Spanner holes 204 may be provided to engage a tool for seatingand removing the seal cartridge in the female coupling member. Shell 370may have a slight interference fit with the portion of seal carrier 190having smaller O.D. 195. In this way, the entire seal cartridgeincluding crown seal 320 may be removed for service from the femalemember by unthreading shell 370 from the bore of the female member.

Shell 370 preferably comprises contoured angled shoulder 372 sized andspaced to engage angled shoulder 326 and axial sealing projection 330 oncrown seal 320. Together with shoulder 193, contoured angled shoulder372 provides a dovetail-type interlock with surfaces 326 and 328 ofcrown seal 320 which resists implosion—i.e., inward radial movement—ofcrown seal 320 into receiving chamber 346 under conditions of lowpressure in chamber 346 such as may be encountered during withdrawal ofthe male probe.

Crown seal 320 is preferably sized such that axial sealing projections330 and 332 are slightly compressed when shell 198 of the seal cartridgeis tightened against seal carrier 190 and seal carrier 190 is fullyseated on shoulder 177. In so doing, sealing projection 332 provides afluid-tight seal between crown seal 320 and seal carrier 190 and sealingprojection 330 provides a fluid-tight seal both between crown seal 320and shell 198 and between crown seal 320 and seal carrier 190.

It will be appreciated that the seal cartridge comprised of seal carrier190 and shell 198 of FIG. 17 is according to a design of the prior art(see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 7,163,190 to Robert E. Smith III). Thus, acrown seal 320 according to the present invention may be retrofitted toa female coupling member having a seal cartridge by simply replacing theprior art crown seal—i.e. a crown seal having one or morecircumferential O-ring seals or radial sealing projections.

FIG. 18 shows a female coupling member of the type illustrated in FIG.17—i.e., a female coupling member having a seal cartridge. In thisembodiment, seal carrier 400 is modified to accommodate axial sealingprojection 332. Groove 402 at the outer portion of angled shoulder 193′is sized and spaced to fit axial sealing projection 332 on seal 320.Shell 370 may also be modified to accommodate axial sealing projection330 on crown seal 320 by the provision of contoured angled shoulder 372which may be sized and contoured to fit both angled shoulder 326 andaxial sealing projection 330 of seal 320.

Groove 402 and/or contoured surface 372 may increase the sealingeffectiveness of axial sealing projections 330 and 332 of crown seal 320by providing a larger area of contact between seal carrier 400 and/orshell 370 and the axial sealing projections 330 and 332.

FIG. 19 shows the use of a crown seal 320 according to the presentinvention in a female coupling member having neither a seal retainer nora seal cartridge. Rather, the central axial bore of the female memberhas a first, inner section having smaller I.D. 206 and a second, outersection having larger I.D. 208 connected by angled shoulder 210. Angledshoulder 210 engages angled surface 328 of crown seal 320.

Retainer nut 380 is externally threaded with threads 214′ for engaging athreaded section of the central axial bore of the female member. Spannerholes 218′ may be provided for engaging a tool for the insertion andremoval of nut 380. Retainer nut 380 comprises contoured angled surface382 sized and spaced to engage angled shoulder 326 and axial sealingprojection 330 of crown seal 320. Angled shoulder 210 together withangled surface 326 provide a dovetail interlock with surfaces 326 and328 of crown seal 320 which resists implosion—i.e., inward radialmovement—of crown seal 320 into receiving chamber 346 under conditionsof low pressure in chamber 346 such as may be encountered duringwithdrawal of the male probe.

Crown seal 320 is preferably sized such that sealing projections 330 and332 are slightly compressed when retainer nut 380 is fully seated onshoulder 213. In so doing, sealing projection 332 provides a fluid-tightseal between crown seal 320 and the body of the female member andsealing projection 330 provides a fluid-tight seal both between crownseal 320 and retainer nut 380 and between crown seal 320 and the body ofthe female coupling member. FIG. 19A is an enlargement of the contactregion between sealing projection 330 and retainer nut 380. FIG. 19B isan enlargement of the contact region between sealing projection 332 andangled surface 210.

It will be appreciated that the body of the female coupling member ofFIG. 19 is according to a design of the prior art (see, e.g. U.S. Pat.No. 6,575,430 to Robert E. Smith III). Thus, a crown seal 320 accordingto the present invention may be retrofitted to such a female couplingmember by simply replacing the prior art crown seal—i.e. a crown sealhaving one or more circumferential O-ring seals or radial sealingprojections—and, optionally, the retainer nut.

FIG. 20 shows a female coupling member of the type illustrated in FIG.8—i.e., a female coupling member having no seal cartridge, seal retaineror metal C-seal. In this embodiment, the body of the female member ismodified to accommodate axial sealing projection 332. As shown in detailin FIG. 20B, groove 394 at the outer limit of angled shoulder 210′ issized and spaced to fit axial sealing projection 332.

Retainer nut 390 may also be modified to accommodate axial sealingprojection 330 on crown seal 320. As shown in FIG. 20A, retainer nut 390may be provided with contoured angled surface 392 for contacting axialsealing projection 330 and angled shoulder 326 on seal 320. As shown indetail in FIG. 20B, Groove 394 and/or contoured angled surface 392 mayincrease the sealing effectiveness of axial sealing projections 330 and332 of crown seal 320 by providing a larger area of contact between thebody of female member 160′ and/or retainer nut 390 and the axial sealingprojections 330 and 332.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference tocertain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist withinthe scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A female hydraulic coupling member comprising: abody having a central axial bore with a stepped internal diameter; anangled shoulder within the central axial bore connecting a first boresection having a first, larger internal diameter and a second boresection having a second, smaller internal diameter; a groove in the bodyat the juncture of the angled shoulder and the first bore section.
 2. Afemale hydraulic coupling member as recited in claim 1 furthercomprising a contour in the wall of the first bore section
 3. A femalehydraulic coupling member comprising: a body having a central axial borewith a stepped internal diameter; a seal retainer which fits within thecentral axial bore of the body and which has a central axial borecomprising a first bore section having a first, larger internal diameterand a second bore section having a second, smaller internal diameterwith an angled shoulder connecting the first section and the secondsection; a groove in the seal retainer at the juncture of the angledshoulder and the first bore section.
 4. A female hydraulic couplingmember as recited in claim 3 further comprising a contour in the wall ofthe first bore section.
 5. A female hydraulic coupling membercomprising: a body having a central axial bore with a stepped internaldiameter; a seal cartridge comprising a seal carrier which fits withinthe central axial bore of the body and which has a central axial borecomprising a first bore section having a first, larger internal diameterand a second bore section having a second, smaller internal diameterwith an angled shoulder connecting the first section and the secondsection; a groove in the seal carrier at the juncture of the angledshoulder and the first bore section.
 6. A female hydraulic couplingmember as recited in claim 5 further comprising a contour in the wall ofthe first bore section.